Ever since our first polar blast in November, we’ve been on a roller coaster ride of temperatures, and now it looks like we’re stuck in the frigid trenches for a while. Winter in Kansas City is always cold, but this year feels particularly hostile with arctic air constantly streaming in from the north. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for April!

Since there’s no way to speed up time, the best we can do is make the most of our winter by taking care our families, ourselves and our homes. And one way to do that is by making sure our plumbing systems are protected from winter’s cold. If we don’t, we may wind up causing major damage to our property and putting our families in difficult situations.

So, what can we do to avoid the plumbing woes of winter? Here are a few tips:

Wrap it up. During frigid temperatures, your uninsulated pipes are at risk—especially those in your attic, garage or outside areas. When the temperatures drop below freezing, any water left in these pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst. And that means trouble. Instead of just hoping for the best, take preventative measures by wrapping your pipes and outdoor plumbing fixtures in insulating material such as towels, foam or insulation sleeves from your local hardware store.

Call it in. If you do see a leak in any of your pipes or fixtures, fix it immediately. Winter is no time to turn a blind eye to plumbing issues. If there is a leak, there is a good possibility your pipes are already damaged and may be ticking time bombs for bigger issues. Don’t wait for a more convenient time; call in a plumber (like us) immediately to avoid further damage.

Let it run. If you plan to be away from your home for any extended period of time, leave your faucets on at a very slow drip. This will keep a stream of water moving through the pipes and keep them from freezing up.

Know the drill. If, despite your best efforts, you still experience a burst pipe this winter, you’ll want to know what to do immediately so that damage can be minimized. The most important first action step is to turn off the main water line to avoid a total flood. After that, call a plumber (like us) immediately, or if you are unaware of where the main shut off is located, call us the minute you know there is a problem. If you know the plumbing layout of your property you can try to identify the source of the leak and fix it yourself, but be sure to insulate the pipe when you replace it to avoid future issues.

At Morgan Miller Plumbing, we know that the cold temps give you enough to think about without having to worry about your pipes. That’s why even if you ignore all of these tips and every warning sign along the way, you still don’t need to worry. With our 24-hour emergency plumbing service, you can call us anytime day or night and know that we’ll be available to rescue you in times of plumbing trouble. It’s what we’re here for! We love our customers, and we love Kansas City, and we’re proud to be the metro’s premier provider of residential and commercial plumbing services.

This season, take our advice and keep an eye on your pipes. Don’t let a little thing like an arctic blast cause a flood in your home. But know that even if it does, we’re only a phone call away.

Winter is here which means snowfalls, early sunsets and cold temperatures. Although the snowflakes and holiday traditions can make winter a magical season, it can also wreak havoc on your home! Take a proactive approach to protecting your home this season from these 5 common plumbing problems.